RIP CURL CANADA PREPARES TO DISH OUT SOME “STEW”…

TOFINO, BC – Attention all west coast surfers! Rip Curl Canada is proud to present “The Rip Curl Stew” a two-day judged surf contest, open to all ages - June 16th & 17th 2007 - held at Cox Bay in the heart of Tofino, B.C.

For over 40 years, Rip Curl has played a leading role in the surf industry and continues to move forward in Canada by gaining the rights to hold the only surf contest this summer in Tofino, BC. Looking into the future they feel strongly that this event will bring the surf culture of Vancouver Island’s past, back to life with a realistic goal - to continue to develop homegrown athletes to compete at a world-class level. “The purpose of this event is to give back to the surf community while developing the home-grown talent,” states National Sales Manager, Drew Hawkshaw. “we are stoked to be able to hold this competition and give back to the surf industry.” says Hawkshaw. The contest will feature seven categories – including open categories for men, women & children, a long board category, as well as a masters over forty category - allowing surfers at all levels & ages to showcase their talent!

With the estimated number of competitors in attendance being close to one hundred, it is lining up to be an unforgettable weekend. Along with the opportunity for up & coming surfers to showcase their talent, some of the well known athletes invited to compete include Peter Devries, the Bruhwiler brothers, Reid Jackson, Mike Stupka, Bastien Lanusse, Noah Cohen, Christian Moutinho and Brian Greig.

These guys are sure to take this competition to a whole other unexpected & exciting level. “I am confident this will be Canada’s premiere surf event for years to come.” states Hawkshaw.

Along with free admission for spectators, there will be over $10, 000 dollars worth of great give-aways from Rip Curl & the event sponsors, to be handed out all weekend. For the competitors there will be prize packs filled with amazing goods & winners will each receive a Barracuda Surfboard, Spy Sunglasses, Rip Curl wetsuit, Reef Sandals, Arbor Skateboard & much more! (To entertain the kids there will also be games held on the beach all day long.)

Matching the event theme, stew will be readily available on the beach to feed the masses, with all proceeds going to a Tofino based non-profit organization.

Anyone interested in competing can sign up at one of the following locations:

Long Beach Surf Shop – Tofino, BC

Sitka Surf Shop – Victoria, BC
Pacific Boarder – Vancouver, BC
Second Wave – North Vancouver, BC

Sponsors include: Rock Star Energy Drink, Spy Eyewear, SBC Surf Magazine, Reef, Inner Rhythm, Storm, Live to Surf, Long Beach Surf Shop, Coastline, Alternative Groove, HTO, Sitka, Pacific Boarder, Second Wave, La Nina, North Hill, Red Nik, Red Truck Brewery, Arbor Long boards, Harrison Beach Jewelry, Barracuda Surfboards, Santa Cruz Surfboards, Channel Island Surfboards, Sticky Bumps & Creatures Accessories.